Democracy for New Mexico

Lt. Gov. Denish Swings by Las Cruces to Promote Small Business, Local Agricultural Products

Mary Garza of Solar Electric Co, Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima and Lt. Gov. Diane Denish

This is a post by contributing writer, Stephen Jones, who is a progressive political activist and a resident of Las Cruces, New Mexico. He IS our Southern NM Bureau.

Lt. Governor was in Las Cruces on Tuesday, April 13, to promote initiatives that support small business and local agriculture in the State of New Mexico. She addressed local residents and employees of Solar Electric Company, a small electrical contracting firm in Las Cruces.

Denish, the Democratic nominee for Governor, reminded residents of her record of accomplishments and commitment to local New Mexican businesses, and promised to do more. “I’m focusing on the issues that matter most to people, jobs,” Denish said. She pointed to her record of assistance to small business, which she termed “the true engine of employment in New Mexico.” On the top of her agenda is a small business tax credit of $2500.00 to New Mexico businesses that hire local workers and provide health benefits.

She also laid out her plans to streamline licensing and permits from the State. “We need to use our technologies to create a ‘one-stop’ shopping source to support and promote local business,” she said, and to make these services available statewide online.

Denish also talked about State capital outlays for local broadband to help local business, “particularly in our smaller communities.” She also said the State needs to do more to support rural business. “We need to get back to our roots and buy locally,” Denish said. She urged a priority for State buying of local produce over goods shipped into New Mexico from other states.

Lt. Governor Diane Denish was joined by Las Cruces Mayor , State Senator Mary Jane Garcia and State Representatives Nathan Cote and Joni Guttierrez. The event was hosted by Mary Garza of Solar Electric Co., a local electrical contracting firm located at 806 W. Hadley in Las Cruces.

To read more posts by Stephen Jones, visit our archive.

Op-Ed by Terry Brunner: Earth Day Comes Early to the Navajo Nation

State Director Terry Brunner participates in a traditional Navajo blessing by sprinkling corn pollen on the ground during the dedication ceremonies for the Eastern Navajo Waterline in northwest New Mexico.

This post is editorial opinion by Terry Brunner, the State Director of USDA Rural Development in New Mexico.

Although Earth Day won’t be celebrated until April 22nd, the dedication and blessing of the Eastern Navajo Waterline at Counselor, New Mexico earlier this week epitomized the very essence of what Senator Gaylord Nelson envisioned 40 years ago when he established the first celebration of what eventually become known as Earth Day around the world.

Just looking at 55 gallon drums sitting in the truck beds parked at the Counselor Chapter House makes you realize there are thousands of people living on the Navajo Nation without basic water service who must haul water to their homes.

Many people from the eight Navajo Chapters that will receive water from the new water line celebrated its construction at the dedication and blessing event at the Counselor Chapter House. When completed, the water line will stretch 70 miles and have a major impact on thousands of lives.

Our fellow citizens driving those pickup trucks will no longer have to travel for miles to fill-up their drums with safe, clean water – that precious resource that is fundamental to a sustainable quality of life and good health. The hauling of water, a way of life for numerous generations of the Navajo people, is hopefully coming to an end.

As I stood there and heard Earl Herrera the Hataalii (medicine man) softly chant his prayer blessing the new water supply system I was pleased knowing that USDA Rural Development provided $8.7 million in funding to build this water system. That we have paved the way for a better quality of life for generations to come is certainly inspiring and reminds us of our responsibility to meet our commitments to tribal nations to provide assistance when needed to our citizens who have historically faced tremendous challenges.

A Navajo rug was presented to State Director Terry Brunner during the dedication and blessing of the Eastern Navajo Waterline ceremonies. The rug was crafted by a local weaver. The word “Ahehee” means “Thank you” in Navajo.

And noting the type of collaboration that is necessary in our remote rural areas, special recognition was given to our partners who provided additional funding to bring the $28.6 million construction of the water supply system to fruition: The State of New Mexico, the Navajo Nation, the Indian Health Services and the eight Navajo Chapters that will receive the water.

Especially inspiring was to hear firsthand from the children of the area who told us what it meant to eventually have water flowing to their homes and how now they can live like other people who have water piped to their homes.

I believe that this year’s Earth Day celebration was of special significance for the USDA and the eight eastern Navajo Chapters. We recognized that our tribal and federal governments share in our desire to be effective stewards of our natural resources on behalf of the people we serve. In my discussions with tribal members I realized that the Navajo people have a special appreciation for our air, land and water that we all can learn from.

Making a living in the harsh desert lands of the Navajo Nation can seem insurmountable. Understanding those challenges, our celebration focused on the determination of a people, the importance of collaboration and a reminder of a 40 year-old vision for the Earth that still promotes mankind working with--not against--the environment.

This post is editorial opinion by Terry Brunner, the State Director of USDA Rural Development in New Mexico. Also see our previous post on this water project.

Thousands of New Mexico Navajo Residents to Receive Clean, Running Water—Some for the First Time

USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner announced today that the construction of the Eastern Navajo Water Line, also known as the Cutter Lateral supply water line, is underway and is on schedule to begin providing clean water in the next eight months to thousands of residents whose access to clean drinking water is either limited or not available at all. The four-phase project will cost nearly $29 million to complete, with funding coming from USDA Rural Development, the State of New Mexico, the Navajo Nation, individual Navajo Chapters and the Indian Health Service.

On Monday morning, April 12, a traditional Navajo dedication and blessing of the water system, which will cross four northwest New Mexico counties, will be held at the Counselor Chapter House located on State Road 550 Mile Marker 99. Residents from various communities in the Navajo Nation that will be served by this water line will be on hand to participate in the ceremonies, which begin at 9:30 AM.

It will take two years to complete the project, which will serve 10 thousand members of the Navajo Nation in northwest New Mexico. Of that number, almost four thousand will receive water services for the first time. Some of these residents currently drive up to 100 miles roundtrip to haul water for their daily use. The new water supply line is expected to greatly improve the lives of many along its route. When completed, the water line will also alleviate water shortages at Tsé Yí Gai High School in Pueblo Pintado. At present, the school does not have enough water to meet the needs of all its students.

4/8: Denish to Announce Small Business and Rural Jobs Plan Via Statewide Virtual Town Hall, RSVP Now

Democratic Gubernatorial candidate on Thursday will announce a small-business and rural jobs initiative via an innovative virtual WebEx town-hall that will be open and viewable by people across New Mexico. The announcement will be on Thursday, April 8, at 1:00 PM.

“I’m announcing my small business job creation plan through a virtual town hall for two reasons," Denish said in a written statement. "First, this innovative format allows us to reach small business owners in our rural communities and second, because I believe effective use of technology is key our state's future prosperity.”

Denish’s virtual town hall will originate from Albuquerque and will be viewable by invitees who have a computer with an Internet connection. See below the fold for information on how to register to participate in the Virtual Town Hall:

What: Diane Denish Small-Business and Rural Jobs Initiative Virtual Town Hall

When: Thursday at 1:00 PM

Where: The WebEx town hall will originate from the Contract Associates Conference Room -- 
800 20th Street Northwest, Albuquerque, NM

1. To join in to the Webcast remotely, You must first register.
2. Simply click on this link to register
3. You will then receive an approval email with the information to join the session on Thursday at 1:00 PM.

Report: Rep. Harry Teague Hosts House Veterans Affairs Field Hearing in Las Cruces

Congressman Harry Teague

This is a post by contributing writer, Stephen Jones, who is a progressive political activist and a resident of Las Cruces, New Mexico. He IS our Southern NM Bureau.

On Monday, March 29th, Congressman Harry Teague (NM-2nd CD) hosted a field hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) Health Subcommittee in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The hearing was chaired by Congressman Mike Michaud, Subcommittee Chair and Representative of Maine’s 2nd CD. The field hearing of the Subcommittee reports to the full House Congressional Veterans Committee. The afternoon hearing was held at New Mexico State University’s Corbett Center.

Congressman Mike Michaud

Titled “Providing Essential Services and Benefits to Veterans in New Mexico and Across America,” the field hearing was called to address health and services issues facing veterans in New Mexico and focused heavily on providing better services to veterans in New Mexico and other substantially rural states. Among the major issues covered in the testimony were better access to Veterans Administration (VA) services, and health and welfare issues including homelessness and post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Health Subcommittee

“One of the biggest goals that I have set for myself is to make sure that we are providing the people of southern New Mexico with a direct link to the decision makers in Washington,” Congressman Teague, who hosted the field hearing said in his opening remarks.

Teague introduced the the gathering of local veterans and other southern New Mexicans in attendance to the Subcommittee Chair, Congressman Michaud, and to the two panels who testified before the committee. “The witnesses before us today spend their days serving veterans a variety of different and important ways,” Teague said, “whether it's trying to find veterans homes, assisting them in filing a VA claim or helping them cope with mental issues.” In his remarks Teague also pledged to “end some of the problems that we as a nation have ignored for far too long.” Among these he included improved access to physical and mental health services, better services for women veterans and the “invisible wounds of war” our troops bear.

In his opening remarks Congressman Michaud noted passage of H.R. 4810, a comprehensive bill that addresses veteran homelessness, and which has increased supportive services for low income veterans. He noted that the legislation incorporates several provisions introduced by Congressman Teague. Michaud pledged to join Teague in continuing to work on issues facing rural states.

The two Congressmen took testimony and questioned two panels of local community, veterans, and service agency representatives. Pamela Angell of the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope described for the Committee her organization's efforts to reintegrate homeless veterans in the Las Cruces area. She urged greater integration of services with community groups, including those like her own, which she termed “client driven.”

Pamela Angell, Raul Sanchez

Raul Sanchez, Commander of the New Mexico Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) asked for greater urgency on addressing the claims backlog facing veterans in health, housing, pension and education. Responding to a question from Congressman Teague on an issue of continuity of VA health services, Sanchez noted that many of his members “travel more than 300 miles for services, yet rarely see the same physician.”

Susan Bowers, Director of the VA Southwest Health Care Network outlined VA services for New Mexico, which are provided by six community-based outpatient clinics in New Mexico and staffed by VA personnel. She noted that the VA has “installed state-of-the-art telemedicine equipment” in each of its facilities, and has expanded training to address the health of female veterans.

Susan Bowers, Grant Singleton, John M. Garcia

John M. Garcia, Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Veteran’s Services outlined his agency’s State-based services. He urged greater integration of services between the Department of Defense, the VA and the states. He noted that New Mexico lacks sufficient bed space in its veteran’s facilities and urged Federal help in expansion of those services. He also noted that the Federal agreements often penalize rural states, which lack the density of population to meet standardized Federal guidelines.

Congressman Harry Teague

Also appearing before the Committee were Dalton Boyd, a New Mexico Veteran from Hobbs, Shirley Bratton, USAF Family Support Director from Holloman Air Force Base, George Marnell, Director of New Mexico VA Health Care System, Grant Singleton, Director of the Albuquerque Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Office, and Guy McCommon, Director of the Las Cruces Vet Center.

To read more posts by Stephen Jones, visit our archive.

USDA Provides Financing to Expand Electric Infrastructure In 5 New Mexico Counties

USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner was in Hernandez, New Mexico yesterday to help Jemez Mountain Electric Cooperative celebrate its approval of a $28.9-million loan package to upgrade its electric delivery system.

During the celebration Brunner told the Jemez Mountain Board of Directors, “This project demonstrates USDA RD’s commitment to rural communities by improving its infrastructure, generating business opportunities, and provides a better quality of life to our rural residents.”

The loan to Jemez Mountain Electric Cooperative is provided under USDA Rural Development’s Electric Loan Program. The program funds will be used to update the electric delivery system in Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, Sandoval, San Juan and McKinley counties. The money will also be used to connect 1200 new consumers over a four-year period of time throughout the system, according to a statement released by Rural Development.

Additionally, Jemez Mountain Electric Cooperative will also increase and upgrade its system by building 120 miles of new distribution line throughout the five-county electric service area. The system will also see two new distribution substations. which will be built in Gallina and Cuyamungue.

The USDA Rural Development electric program has financed similar projects throughout the nation for the last 60 years. The program provides funds to be used to expand or improve electric service, support renewable energy efforts and establish energy conservation programs.

The loan is part of USDA Rural Development’s annual budget and is not funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

To celebrate the commitment of the funds from USDA Rural Development, Mr. Brunner presented a certificate of funding obligation to the Jemez Mountain Electric Cooperative board at its monthly board meeting which was held on March 26, 2010, at 1:30 PM at its offices located at 19365 SR 84/285 in Hernandez, New Mexico.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development, and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at any local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development’s web site at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

Application Now Available for NM Community Development Assistance

USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner, Dr. Michael Patrick of the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service and New Mexico Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Fred Mondragón announced yesterday that New Mexico communities may apply for assistance through the Stronger Economies Together (SET) program. SET will provide training and technical assistance to rural communities seeking to strengthen their regional development efforts.

The program is designed to help interested counties work together to develop and implement a regional economic development strategy or plan, according to a statement released by Rural Development. The SET program project is a collaborative initiative between the Western Regional Rural Development Center at Utah State University, USDA Rural Development, New Mexico State University (NMSU) and the New Mexico State Economic Development Department.

In making the announcement Brunner said, “We have found that communities that work together to solve common economic development issues are more successful and sustainable. We believe this collaborative opportunity will help selected rural communities develop strategies to meet the economic challenges facing our state and our country.

Dr. Patrick of NMSU added, “The SET program provides New Mexico’s rural counties and communities with a unique opportunity to grow their economies through regional partnerships.”

New Mexico Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Fred Mondragón said, “The creation of rural jobs has been a priority of the Economic Development Department, so we are excited to partner in this program that will help provide a valuable tool for community growth.”

The two regional New Mexico communities selected to participate in the SET program will receive a number of important benefits including:

• Twenty-hours of valuable training on the SET program and guidance on ways to strengthen and enhance regional economic development activities.

• Key data tailored to each region will be provided to help the regional team examine the critical drive of its economy and emerging economic sectors that may determine if that particular region might hold a comparative edge in the domestic and/or the international marketplace.

• Tools that can help uncover the variety of assets and resources that exists in that region that can contribute to the region’s economic activities.

• Technical assistance and educational support from NMSU Extension educators, RD staff, and appropriate Regional Rural Development Centers for the one-year period of the project.

• Webinars with the other 15 selected regions in the U.S., thus enabling the sharing of information and gathering of ideas from other rural communities across the country.

• The value of these benefits will be in excess of $15,000 per region.

Applications are due electronically no later than May 3, 2010 (by 11:59 PM Central Time) to rd.comments@nm.usda.gov. Site visits will be scheduled with the strongest applicants by mid-May. Final decisions on the two regions in New Mexico to be part of the SET initiative will be announced by June 8, 2010.

All applications will be carefully reviewed by the SET State Partner Team. The team is composed of representatives of the New Mexico USDA RD, NMSU Cooperative Extension Service, and other key economic development organizations or agencies in the state. National USDA RD office and Regional Rural Development Center personnel will also provide input.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact any one of the following individuals:

Terry Brunner, New Mexico State Director, USDA-RD at terry.brunner@nm.usda.gov

Michael Patrick, Community Resource and Economic Development Specialist, New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service at jmpat@nmsu.edu

Or if you wish to request an application you can make your request by writing to: rd.comments@nm.usda.gov.

Sen. Tom Udall Asks Google to Think BIG in Farmington

Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) has written Google’s CEO Eric Schmidt in support of Think BIG Farmington’s proposal to become a test site for the company’s experimental project for ultra-high speed broadband internet networks in select locations across the country. The project, called , will test new ways to make broadband internet connections faster and more accessible.

In his letter, Udall highlights Farmington’s collaborative effort to win participation in the company’s experiment and the benefits to San Juan County and parts of the Navajo Nation. He also notes the project’s potential to spur new economic growth, distance learning and telemedicine initiatives which would greatly benefit the region.

“Although Google will receive applications from across the country,” wrote Udall, “I believe Farmington is a perfect place for a trial fiber optic network. Think BIG Farmington’s application is a community-wide effort that that would include towns and rural areas of San Juan county and part of the Navajo Nation in northwestern New Mexico.”

The senator also recalls a visit by former President Clinton to the Navajo Nation in 2000, which he attended. During the visit, President Clinton was introduced to a 13-year-old Navajo named Myra Jodie who had won an iMac computer but lacked a home phone connection and the capability to connect it to the internet.

Today, much of the area still lacks basic and essential services like electricity, water and telephones.

“The Navajo Nation still has some of the lowest telephone and Internet access in the country,” Udall wrote. “The ultra high speed communications network proposed by Think BIG Farmington would help ensure that northwest New Mexico is finally connected.”

Udall is a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and a strong proponent of increasing broadband infrastructure and access. He has urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to expand internet capabilities -- especially in rural and tribal areas -- through its upcoming National Broadband Plan to grow economic and educational opportunities.

It’s estimated that New Mexico’s broadband connectivity is approximately 15 percent slower than the national average. According to the Kauffman Foundation, the state also ranks 46th in percentage of Internet users.

Click to read the full text (pdf) of Udall’s letter.

Guest Blog: USDA Offers Funding Opportunities for NM Projects

This is a guest blog by Terry Brunner, State Director of the New Mexico Office of USDA Rural Development.

We are at a critical juncture in New Mexico’s history as we approach our Centennial in 2012. Of great concern to us all should be how our rural communities will fare over the next 100 years. Will they continue to struggle or will we make the investments and decisions now to allow for their renewal and prosperity during the century ahead?

Before us lies an extraordinary opportunity, through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (also known as the Stimulus), to make immediate and necessary investments in our rural communities.

The United States Department of Agriculture New Mexico Rural Development office saw funding increases in many of its programs as a result of the Stimulus. USDA Rural Development in New Mexico almost tripled its regular programmatic spending for dozens of new projects in Fiscal Year 2009 to $354 million. We hope to have another banner year in FY 2010 before the Stimulus expires in September.

As we see tight budgets at the state and local level in New Mexico there is no better time for New Mexico’s communities to consider USDA funding for their projects. USDA Rural Development offers programs in three areas: Community Development, Business and Housing.

Businesses and value added agricultural producers in New Mexico communities with a population less than 50,000 are eligible for our Business Programs. Most types of new or existing enterprises qualify -- manufacturing, wholesale, retail or service. We offer up to a 90% loan guarantee for bankable projects as large as $10 million and can provide smaller guarantees on proposals as high as $25 million. It is our goal to guarantee at least $29 million in business loan guarantees around New Mexico this fiscal year.

We also offer programs to help businesses and agricultural producers save on energy costs. Our Renewable Energy for America program allows USDA to cover 25% of any renewable energy or energy efficiency project for a rural business or an ag producer. If your farm or business hopes to install a new water heater, upgrade swamp coolers or even take advantage of solar, wind power or biodiesel; USDA would like to help with that investment.

For those producers that add value to an agricultural product, we provide up to $100,000 in grant funding for planning costs and up to $300,000 for working capital. Value added projects can include a wide variety of efforts such as turning tomatoes into salsa, carving wood products, and making a popcorn product from locally-grown corn.

On the community side, the stimulus program enhanced greatly our ability to loan and grant to communities less than 20,000 in population for community facilities. USDA Rural Development can invest in community facilities, such as: health care facilities, community centers, libraries, roads, emergency services, and community greenhouses -- just to name a few.

Water and Wastewater infrastructure is of tremendous importance to rural communities in our state. In communities under 10,000, USDA offers loans and grants to help with water and wastewater systems. Hundreds of New Mexico communities have participated in this program over the years and we are prepared to help many more.

To be competitive and innovative, rural communities need access to modern telecommunications. The stimulus set aside billions to increase broadband access in rural America and USDA Rural Development spent $199 million alone in rural New Mexico last year for broadband and telecommunications infrastructure. Not only do we invest in the first, middle and last mile of telecommunications infrastructure but we are very interested in supporting distance learning, telemedicine and other efforts that connect rural communities to the power of the internet.

When we talk about the sustainability of our rural communities, nothing says sustainability more than providing families the ability to make their home in rural New Mexico. In communities under 10,000, USDA provides home loans, home loan guarantees and grants for the construction, purchase or renovation of a home. More than 6,500 New Mexicans currently use our housing programs.

This is just a sample of the many programs USDA Rural Development has to offer. The Stimulus presents New Mexico with unprecedented opportunities to improve the quality of life in rural New Mexico and give rural communities the tools they need to prosper. The time to act is now, while federal agencies like the USDA have the resources to make more investments than ever. If you are interested in any of these programs, I hope you will contact the USDA Rural Development office in New Mexico at 505-761-4950.

This is a guest blog by Terry Brunner, who was appointed by President Barack Obama on September 3, 2009 to serve at State Director for the New Mexico Office of USDA Rural Development.

To submit a piece for consideration as a guest blog, contact me by clicking on the Email Me link on the upper left-hand corner of the page.

New Mexico Water Settlements Pass U.S. House

Today, two water settlements sponsored by Rep. Ben Ray Luján -- the Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2009 (H.R. 3254) and the Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act of 2009 (H.R. 3342) -- passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The bills resolve long-standing water cases in New Mexico. According to a statement released by Luján's office, the Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2009 passed by a vote of 254 to 158. The Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act of 2009 passed by a vote of 249 to 153.

“These settlements have taken many years to get where they are today,” Luján said in a written statement. “They have developed over the last two Congresses and much work has gone into the careful consideration of these bills. We now have an opportunity to authorize these settlements, effectively protecting water resources, advancing the implementation of effective water management, and ensuring future access to water resources for all Northern New Mexico residents located in the areas encompassed by these settlements.”

U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall have gained support for the same measures from a key Senate panel -- the Indian Affairs Committee -- and are working toward securing a vote in that chamber in the coming months.

“It’s great news that the House has taken this action. These settlements will bring an end to some of the longest-standing court cases in the country, and in doing so provide water certainty for thousands of New Mexicans. With the House of Representatives vote behind us, we can now build momentum for gaining passage in the Senate as well,” Senator Bingaman said.

“After decades of work and negotiation, passage of these two settlements by the House brings us an important step closer to the resolution of decades-old water rights claims for five tribes along the Rio Grande in northern New Mexico,” Senator Udall said. “I applaud Rep. Luján for his leadership in shepherding this critical legislation through the House. Now it is the Senate’s turn to act, and I look forward to working with Senator Bingaman and our Senate colleagues to approve these agreements, which are mutually beneficial to all water users in the Taos and Pojoaque valleys.”

For decades, the people of New Mexico have worked to settle these water claims which have been in court since the 1960s. It has taken over 40 years for these bills to come to fruition, and they address important issues from a water management and conservation perspective. Similar legislation was introduced in the 110th Congress and was subject to legislative hearings in both the House and the Senate. Early in the 111th Congress, both Senators Bingaman and Udall introduced the Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act (S. 965) and the Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act (S.1105) in the Senate with important revisions that have improved both settlements.

Without action on these settlements, the people of the region would face ongoing litigation and uncertain water resources for years to come.

The Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act of 2009 is supported by the State of New Mexico, the Santa Fe County Commission, the Rio Pojoaque Acequia and Water Well Association, the Rio de Tesuque Acequia Association, various individual water users in the Nambe-Pojoaque-Tesuque basin, and the Pueblos of San Ildefonso, Nambe, Pojoaque and Tesuque.

The Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2009 is supported by the State of New Mexico, Taos Pueblo, the Rio de Tesuque Acequia Association, the Taos Valley Acequia Association, The Town of Taos, and 12 Taos Mutual Domestic Water Consumers Association in the area.

San Miguel County to Receive $500,000 to Build Business Park Facility

USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner traveled to Las Vegas, NM today to deliver a $500,000 USDA grant award to San Miguel County for the construction of a facility to house an expanding wood manufacturing business and add employment opportunities for the area.

In making the announcement Brunner said, "This project represents USDA Rural Development’s interest in strengthening communities, stimulating the local economy, and boosting opportunities for small business owners to expand their business.” Brunner added, “Economic progress in our rural communities is vital to the recovery of our Nation’s economy.”

San Miguel County qualified for the funds through the Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) Program which is administered by Rural Development’s Business Program.

The RBEG program is designed to help municipalities, Native American tribes and pueblos, and non-profits with funds to help small businesses develop and grow, according to a statement released by the agency. San Miguel County saw the opportunity to help expand its economic development efforts by applying for the funds to construct a 20,000 square foot spec building needed for a local company’s expansion. The RBEG funds are being used to pay for architectural and engineering design, inspection fees, site work and construction of a 20,000 spec building for the expansion of an existing local company called Old Wood, LLC.

The Old Wood manufacturing company has outgrown its current location and plans to relocate to the San Miguel County Wood Business Park and lease the building from the county after it is constructed. The company which currently employees 8 people, plans on adding 10 employees once the building is up. The company expects to expand to a 100 employees once it is in full operation.

RBEG funds were leveraged with $550,000 in State funds and $139,288 in local funds for the construction of the project.

To celebrate the commitment of the funds from USDA Rural Development, Mr. Brunner presented a ceremonial check to the San Miguel County Commission this morning at the San Miguel County Court House in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Further information on the RBEG Program and other Rural Development programs can be obtained by calling 505-761-4953 or by visiting USDA’s website.

USDA Stimulus Money Almost Triples Funding For Rural New Mexico Projects in FY- 2009

State Director Terry Brunner programs a computer that gave commands to initiate the treatment of wastewater at the new sewer plant in Acoma Pueblo. Rural Development’s community loan and grant program provided $6.4 million to build the project.

USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner announced yesterday that USDA Rural Development (RD) investments almost tripled from Fiscal Year 2008 to Fiscal Year 2009. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding combined with regular program funding boosted USDA RD’s FY 09 spending to $354 million in loans and grants throughout rural New Mexico -- a boost from $154 million in FY 08. The funds paid for the construction of water and wastewater systems, community facilities, business development, homeownership, electric and telecommunications projects.

In making the announcement, Brunner said, “USDA Rural Development made a significant difference in rural New Mexico in 2009.” Brunner added, “The Obama Administration has worked hard in rural America to build a foundation for economic strength and future prosperity. Creating quality jobs, providing housing opportunities and ensuring that rural communities have safe, clean water is just some of what we did last year.” Brunner added, “We’ve also funded the upgrade and expansion of electric and telecommunication transmission across the State—vital infrastructure improvements for our rural communities. Rural New Mexico made great strides in 2009 and we expect to continue that pace in 2010.”

Ribbon cutting event for grand opening for Hampton Inn Hotel in Deming, New Mexico. Rural Development’s Business and Industry (B&I) Guaranteed loan program provided a $5 million guaranteed loan for hotel construction.

In FY ‘08 RD made more than $84-million in loans and grants in the programs administered in New Mexico and another $50-million was obligated for electric and telecommunications loans administered in Washington, D. C.

In FY-09, USDA Rural Development funded a total of $155,524,007 in business, community facility, housing, and water and wastewater projects. Electric and telecommunications projects across the state received $199,475,648 in funding for a grand total of $354,999,655 in USDA Rural Development loans and grants in New Mexico.

The loans and grants were distributed to rural New Mexicans in the following areas:

Firefighters from the Angel Fire Fire Department push a fire engine back into the bay of newly-constructed fire station #2. USDA Rural Development’s community facilities loan program provided $700,000 for the project.

• RD Business Programs issued $11,972,653 in loans and grants to fund nineteen business projects located in communities of less than 50,000 people. USDA RD funded a wind turbine for Lalo’s convenience store in Vaughn, NM.

• RD Water and Environmental Programs financed $46,853,854 in loans and grants to build or refurbish 23 water and wastewater projects in communities of less than 10,000 people in rural New Mexico. This year, USDA RD assisted with $9.7 million in funding for a new wastewater treatment plant for Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs.

• RD Community Facilities Programs financed eleven projects with loans and grants, for the construction of numerous community buildings and the purchase of first responder equipment in communities of less than 20,000 people for a total of $43,425,049. Stimulus funding provided $9.4 million for the constriction of Guadalupe County’s new hospital.

• RD Housing Programs issued loans and grants in the amount of $53,272,451 in several housing programs which helped 472 become homeowners or helped families refurbish and remodel their homes in areas populated by less than 20,000 people

• RD Electric Programs issued four loans to electric co-ops for a total of $103,625,000. Some of the co-operatives also provide electric services to communities in neighboring states.

• RD Telecommunications Programs provided $95,850,648 to eight telephone cooperatives and educational institutions to expand broadband, communication and distance learning infrastructure throughout rural New Mexico. LEACO telephone cooperative received more than $50 million in funding for internet service to northern Lea County.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life in rural communities. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site.